Young mass murderers seek status, older ones react to crises
Young mass murderers driven by social rejection, older ones by life crises, study finds.
Why it matters
- Life stage influences motivations for mass murder, aiding prevention efforts.
- Evolutionary theory provides new insights into mass murder psychology.
- Contrary to common assumptions, mental health issues are not the primary cause.
By the numbers
- 634 papers screened, 20 included in the review.
- Mass murderers often cluster in late adolescence or middle age.
- Study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science.
The big picture
- Mass murders are often planned and driven by life-stage-specific stressors.
- Understanding these patterns can help identify warning signs for prevention.
- Younger and older offenders have distinct motivations.
What they're saying
- Critics argue the study overemphasizes status and control.
- Others see findings as reflecting broader societal conflicts.
Caveats
- Mass murder definitions vary across studies.
- Focus on Western contexts may limit global applicability.
- Study is a review, with inherent limitations.
What’s next
- Research into "legacy tokens" to better understand offenders' motivations.
- Development of an international mass murder database for broader analysis.